Entertainment
Carlsbad offers abundant outdoor recreation, starting with Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area, where visitors can fish, boat, water-ski, camp, and enjoy a scenic 4.5-mile lakeside walkway. Additional amenities include tennis and racquetball courts, playgrounds, a skateboard park, and the Riverwalk Youth Recreation Center. Nearby, Brantley Lake State Park and iconic national parks like Carlsbad Caverns and Guadalupe Mountains provide endless hiking, biking, and swimming opportunities.
Residents enjoy these attractions as part of everyday life, whether exploring caves, hiking to Sitting Bull Falls, or spending a night downtown at festivals, movies, or wine tastings. Golf enthusiasts can play at Riverside Country Club or Lake Carlsbad Municipal. The city’s rich cultural scene includes a renowned museum, art center, and community events, offering live music, theater, and festivals year-round.
Recreation
Brantley Lake State Park
Brantley Lake is the southernmost lake in New Mexico, located 12 miles north of Carlsbad, along the beautiful Pecos River. The park offers fishing, boating, water-skiing, and camping. During the summer, the State Parks Division also offers interpretive programs to visitors.
Southern Lake
Brantley Lake is the southernmost lake in New Mexico, offering water sports and year-round camping to visitors.
Fishing Fun
Anglers can catch a variety of warm water fish such as largemouth bass, walleye, channel catfish, white bass, bluegill and crappie.
Special Events
The "Go-Fly-a-Kite" rally is held in March; the "Shoreline Sweep" is a part of the Park's Earth Day celebration in April; and the "Kids Fishing Clinic" is held in May. Throughout the summer, Saturday night campground programs are popular.
Getting There
Brantley Lake State Park is 12 miles north of Carlsbad via US 285, then 4.5 miles northeast on Eddy County Road 30.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
3225 National Parks Highway
Carlsbad, NM 88220
(575) 785-2232
Throughout the year, the magnificent underground world that awaits visitors to the Carlsbad Caverns National Park is always a pleasant surprise.
Carlsbad Caverns
The main attraction, Carlsbad Caverns, is one of 113 caves in the national park and offers a variety of activities and recreational opportunities for all. The “Big Room,” the cave’s main chamber is over eight acres in size and is world renown, not only for the incredible area it encompasses, but also for its beautiful and massive rock formations.
Tours
Year-round self-guided trips are available through the natural entrance and the Big Room. Guided tours are offered through the King’s Palace and Queen’s Chamber. Summers bring special ranger-guided off-trail caving trips into ominous-sounding places like the Hall of the White Giant and Spider Cave. Each summer day around dusk, rangers present an evening bat flight program while Mexican Free-tail bats swarm out of the cave to feed on bugs. There are also opportunities for hiking and backcountry camping in the surrounding pristine Chihuahuan Desert.
Location
This national park lies 18 miles southwest of Carlsbad along U.S Highway 62-180.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
400 Pine Canyon
Salt Flat, TX 79847
Overview
Guadalupe Mountains National Park includes Texas' highest mountain, Guadalupe Peak, and over 86,000 acres of Chihuahua desert and forest ecosystem. The park offers over 80 miles of trails, including the six-hour hike to the absolute top of Texas.
For over 10,000 years, the Guadalupe Mountains have witnessed a constant stream of human history, including bloody conflicts between Mescalero Apaches and Buffalo Soldiers, the passing of the Butterfield Overland Mail, the coming of ranchers and settlers, and finally, the making of a national park. Today, the history is preserved at the Frijole and Williams Ranches, and at the ruins of the Pinery Station.
Planning Your Visit
The Headquarters Visitor Center at Pine Springs is the best place to begin your visit to Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Here you can pick up maps and brochures, view an informative, orientation slide show, enjoy remarkable interpretive exhibits, browse the bookstore for additional education sources, get a current weather forecast, and talk directly with knowledgeable staff at the information desk about your itinerary. Just outside the door is the Pinery Trail – a short, paved path that has scenic vistas, offers an introduction to the native plants, and leads to the historic ruins of the Butterfield Overland Mail stage station. If your kids are tired of traveling and itching for something to do, our Junior Ranger program is fun, educational, and generally takes less than an hour to complete!
Location
This national park is located 56 miles southwest of Carlsbad and right across the state line from and adjacent to the Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area
101 N Halagueno St
Carlsbad, NM 88220
Overview
Located within the heart of Carlsbad, Lake Carlsbad offers fishing, boating, water-skiing, and camping. Lake Carlsbad is surrounded by several hundred acres of City-owned parks and golf courses and a lighted lakeside walkway that stretches over 4.5 miles in length. Other amenities include nine tennis courts, three racquetball courts, four play grounds, skateboard park, and the Riverwalk Youth Recreation Center.
Events
During the Holiday Season from Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day, the residential properties lining the northern shore of the narrow lake decorate their yards with beautiful displays in a popular event called Christmas on the Pecos. The event is organized by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce.
Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park
1504 Miehls Drive N.
Carlsbad, NM 88220
575-887-5516
Overview
Perched on top of a large hill overlooking Carlsbad, the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park is a fantastic example of a Chihuahuan Desert botanical and zoological Park. The Living Desert is accredited by the Association of Aquariums & Zoos and offers visitors a wonderful sample of desert organisms to view.
The park offers visitors a chance to see numerous animals and desert plants. A pack of Mexican Grey Wolves, a Black Bear, Bald and Golden Eagles, Hawks, Pronghorn Antelope, Deer, Elk, Bison, Rattlesnakes, and numerous cacti are only a few examples of the desert animals and plants housed in Living Desert State Park.
Additional Information
For more information on the zoo and park, please visit Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park
Parks
400-2 Cascades Ave.
Suite 201
Carlsbad, NM 88220
State Parks
The state of New Mexico offers a number of parks within the Carlsbad area, providing citizens and visitors a variety of location and activity options.
Brantley Lake State Park
Located 12 miles north of Carlsbad, along the lazy Pecos River, Brantley Lake offers fishing, boating, water-skiing and camping. During the summer, the State Parks Division also offers interpretive programs to visitors. Brantley Lake State Park
Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park
For information on Living Desert Park, please visit Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park.
National Parks
There two national parks in the Carlsbad area, offering a number of activities and events.
Carlsbad Caverns National Park
For information about the park's location, caverns, and tours, please visit Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Guadalupe Mountains National Park
For information on Guadalupe Park, please visit Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
City of Carlsbad Parks
The City of Carlsbad Parks and Recreation Department maintains approximately 1,204 acres of parks within the City of Carlsbad. Map of City Municipal Parks
Alta Vista Park 312 Alta Vista/1707 W. Fox
Located west of Alta Vista Middle School, this park consists of 15 acres and houses the American Little League with three (3) playing fields and the Senior Little League with one playing field.
Arcadia Park 1311 Ortega
Located in the 1300 block of Alvarado/Ortega Streets, this neighborhood park is 4 acres with playground equipment and a basketball court.
Bataan Recreation Area
Located on both sides of the Pecos River from the Tansil Dam to the Lower Tansil Dam, this area is included in the Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area and has shades, boat docks and during "ball" season is utilized by many ball teams for practice areas.
C. H. McLenathen Park 1305 W. Hagerman
This neighborhood park is located at the corner of North Maple/West McKay/West Hagerman Streets. This 3 acre park is the home of the National Little League with 3 playing fields, playground equipment and a basketball court.
Carlsbad Softball Complex/Will Merchant Park 902 Hidalgo
Located west of the National Parks Highway at the intersection of Hidalgo Road and South Boyd Drive, this 21 acre park has 4 lighted fields, restroom facilities, a small playground area and off-street parking.
Cass Park
Located at Kuykendahl and Russell Streets in the Sunnyview Addition, this neighborhood park consists of 1.9 acres and has a basketball court and playground equipment.
Chief Ira J. Stockwell Park 400 NE 1st
Home of the Teen Girls Softball League, this 5 acre park is located along the irrigation canal on Northeast First Street. There are two playing fields and one practice field.
Cruz Fernandez Park 606 Pompa
Located in the 500 block of Pompa Street at Chavez Street, this 3 acre neighborhood park consists of playground equipment and a basketball court.
Davis Park
Located in the 200 block of Kircher Street at Davis Street, this 9 acre neighborhood park hosts playground equipment.
Hardwick/Jackson
This elementary school park is located in the 2400 block of Carver Street and is considered a joint city/school playground area.
Hall Addition Park
With approximately 1.5 acres, including parking area, this neighborhood park with playground equipment is located on North Street between Primrose and Wildrose Streets south of Puckett School.
Heritage Park 1500 Callaway Drive
Located on Callaway Drive on the south side of the Pecos River, this historical park contains the first homestead built in the County of Eddy, The Eddy House. There is a covered picnic shelter where an annual event is held honoring the pioneer families of Carlsbad and surrounding areas.
Lake Carlsbad Tennis & Racquetball Complex
Located across from the south end of the Lake Carlsbad Recreation area near the Tansil Dam, houses the Lake Carlsbad Tennis Complex, Rio Pecos Tennis Shop, 3 racquetball courts, and restroom facilities.
Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area Riverside Drive/Park Drive
With 125.6 acres, this park winds along the Pecos River from the railroad bridge south to the upper Tansil Dam. This area contains playground equipment, barbecue grills, tables, restrooms, boat docks, swimming area and the Beach Bandshell.
Lamont Street Park
Located along the west side of Lamont Street between Church Street and the Northgate Shopping Center on Pierce Street, this 4.9 acre park offers a paved path for walkers, joggers, bicyclists and others enjoying a portion of the Bike/Walk/Jogging Trail which parallels this park area.
Carlsbad Youth Sports Complex 3001 W. Lea St
A new quality built complex home to six full size youth softball fields, four full size youth soccer fields, and one football field with the addition of baseball fields starting in the spring of 2008. These fields are utilized year round for youth recreation league play, tournaments, and other special events. Each area is equipped with large concession facilities including large restrooms. The complex has a central parking area to accommodate multiple events simultaneously. Carlsbad Youth Sports Complex
Lake Carlsbad Municipal Golf Course
With an 18-hole course and a 9-hole Par 3 course which runs along the Pecos River, this 146 acre recreation area is located Muscatel Avenue. The Lake Carlsbad Municipal Golf Course Pro Shop is located at 905 Muscatel. Visit their site for more information!
Desert Willow Park 1612 Desert Willow Drive
This 1.6 acre neighborhood park hosts various pieces of playground equipment.
Pecos River Village Recreation Area
Located on the east side of the Pecos River off of Muscatel Avenue, this recreation area hosts the Pecos River Village Conference Center, Riverwalk Recreation Center and Playground on the Pecos.
Puckett Park
This 1 acre neighborhood park is located on the east side of Puckett School in Hall Addition. Belonging to the Carlsbad Municipal School System, this park provides limited playground equipment.
Plaza De San Jose 1004 DeBaca
Located at San Jose Boulevard/Plaza Street/DeBaca Street this 7.5 acre park area contains a band stand, covered gazebo, small playground and is host to the annual 16th of September Celebration along with other community-wide celebrations.
Riverside Country Club Park
This 1-acre neighborhood park, with various playground equipment, is located at the intersection of Bryan Circle and Park Street within the County Club Addition.
Riverview Park
Located on the north side of Lake Carlsbad between the railroad tracks and the Par 3 Municipal Golf Course, this 7.21 acre park provides 3 large covered picnic shelters with tables and restroom facilities.
Senator Milton R. Smith Park
This 2 acre neighborhood park consists of small playground equipment and is located at North Mesa and West Church Streets.
Senior High School Baseball and Softball Park
These parks consist of approximately 13 acres of land with lighted baseball and softball fields. A joint City/School agreement developed this complex which is located west of North 8th Street and east of the Carlsbad Senior High School Football stadium.
South 8th Street Neighborhood Park
Located in the 500 block of S. 8th Street at Florida Street, this neighborhood park is nearly an acre in size and provides playground equipment and a lighted basketball court.
Carlsbad Spring Park - Carter Park
Located at the northwest end of Lake Carlsbad on the south side of the Pecos River, this 27 acre natural park area extends west from the springs and adjoins US Highway 285.
Sunset Park 1802 W. Blodgett
Consisting of approximately 5 acres, this park area is located along the CID irrigation canal at Blodgett and Solana Streets. Home of the Shorthorn Little League, this park provides 4 playing fields, playground equipment and a lighted basketball court.
Troy Young Community Park 2207 San Jose Boulevard
Located on San Jose Boulevard and bordering the CID irrigation canal, this 6 acre neighborhood park has a basketball court, tennis court and playground equipment.
West Carlsbad Recreation Area 611 N. 5th Street
This 4-acre neighborhood park is located in the 600 block of N. 5th Street and consists of tennis courts, basketball courts, volleyball court, and playground equipment.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park
Located on the corner of Canyon Street and Plaza Street and part of the Bataan Recreation Area, this park contains playground equipment and a covered picnic shelter.
Shooting Range / Action Sports Complex
Consisting of approximately 645 acres, this complex is located approximately 2.5 miles north of Happy Valley on the east side of the truck by-pass leading to the Artesia Highway (US 185). The area provides 4 trap ranges, pistol range, small bore rifle range, large bore rifle range, silhouette rifle range, silhouette pistol range, muzzle loaders range, black powder range, archery range, cross-wind runways for radio controlled model airplanes, a competition go-cart track, restroom facilities and picnic areas.
Alejandro Ruiz Memorial Park
Located in front of the Riverwalk Recreation Center and adjacent to Playground on the Pecos, this park area honors Carlsbad native and WWII Veteran Alejandro Ruiz for his receipt of the Congressional Medal of Honor.
Millennium Park
Located south of the Riverwalk Recreation Center, this park houses a TruPac container containing packages from area families and organizations to be opened in the year 2101. These articles were sealed in the container on November 11, 2001. This park and TruPac Time Capsule was sponsored by the Carlsbad Assistance League.
Playground on the Pecos
Rising on the banks of the Pecos River north of the Riverwalk Recreation Center, this community-built playground consists of 15,000 square feet of towers, swings, slides, and hiding places. Designed with the help of Carlsbad's school children, the playground incorporates Carlsbad features such as caves, rock climbing areas and the flumes. Utilizing volunteers, construction began on September 5, 2002 and was completed on September 15, 2002.
Bike/Jogging/Walking Trail
This 6.4 mile, 5-foot wide asphalt recreational trail is for use by bicyclists, joggers, and walkers. It is located along the Carlsbad Irrigation District Canal and runs the entire length of the city. At the users' preference, the trail may be accessed at either point located at the National Parks Highway, San Jose Boulevard, Boyd Drive, Lea Street, Texas Street, Church Street, Pierce Street, and/or Westridge.
Ocotillo Hills Nature Trail SkyLine Drive/NMSU-Carlsbad/Heritage Park
The Ocotillo Hills Nature Trail courses along the hillside between Skyline Drive and New Mexico State University-Carlsbad. The trail is 0.9 miles in length and provides a scenic hike that highlights many of the native plants and, at times, the wildlife. A scenic overlook parking area is located at the top of the trail providing a spectacular view of the entire city, particularly at night.
Entertainment
Carlsbad Community Theater
4713 National Parks Highway
Carlsbad, NM 88220
This non-profit community theater invites community members to participate by trying out for a role, helping with sets, or attending a life performance. This is a must-see when in Carlsbad.
Walter Gerrells Performing Arts and Exhibition Center
4012 National Parks Hwy
Carlsbad, New Mexico
575-208-6208
The Walter Gerrells Performing Arts and Exhibition Center is one of the largest entertainment facilities of its kind in Southeastern New Mexico. It boasts a seating capacity in excess of two thousand (2,000) and hosts a wide variety of talent. Some headliners to take the stage include concerts by Casting Crowns, Rodney Carrington, Newsboys, Gabriel Iglesias, Buckcherry, Jackyl, Chris Cagle, Andy Griggs, and many, many more!
Attractions
Carlsbad Museum and Art Center
418 West Fox Street
Carlsbad, NM 88221
(575) 887-0276
Admission is FREE. Donations are accepted. The Gift Shop is open during Museum hours, offering books of interest to the southwest region, cards, posters, gifts, toys and jewelry.
Founded in 1931, the Carlsbad Museum and Art Center fulfills its mission as a cultural and educational institution through the collection, preservation, exhibition and interpretation of artifacts, documents and works of art relating to prehistory, history and esthetic environment of the City of Carlsbad and the surrounding communities of southeastern New Mexico and the greater American Southwest (New Mexico, west Texas, Arizona and northern Mexico).
The Museum features permanent displays focusing on local and regional history, Native American art and artifacts, and modern, contemporary and Southwestern art, including the McAdoo Collection of "Taos Ten" paintings. Temporary exhibitions feature Southwestern artists, crafts persons and history topics of interest to people of the region. As a community art center, the Museum also hosts the annual Carlsbad and Loving schools exhibitions (in April and May), the Zia Quilt Guild show (in September) and two Carlsbad Area Art Association exhibitions (in March and October).
Pecos River Village Conference Center
711 Muscatel Ave
Carlsbad, NM 88220
In the early 1970’s President’s Park was built on the current site of the Pecos River Village Conference Center. This park included an antique carousel, train rides, bumper cars, and many more attractions for residents and visitors to Carlsbad. The City of Carlsbad later purchased the property and existing building and they were converted into what is now the Pecos River Village Conference Center. The Center is owned by the City of Carlsbad and managed by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce.
Whether you are planning a conference, corporate retreat, family reunion or other festive occasion, the tranquil setting of the Pecos River Village Conference Center is the place for you! Located on the banks of the sparkling Pecos River, the Village offers five meeting rooms, a large colonnade, and the Carousel House banquet facility.
The Carousel House can accommodate 200 classroom style, 400 theater style, or 300 banquet style. This is a wonderful setting for more formal or larger meetings, and the dance floor makes it the perfect place for wedding receptions! The five additional conference rooms vary in size and the larger rooms can seat up to 100 theater style.
The Conference Center includes courtyards, covered dock areas, and beautiful grounds for outdoor functions, and a large commercial kitchen. Please note that certain restrictions apply if alcohol is being served at a function.
The Village area of the Center is transformed into a Christmas Village during the annual Christmas on the Pecos -- complete with dining, shopping, and sometimes a visit from Santa!
Please contact the Chamber of Commerce at 575-887-6516 to see how you can have your next event at the Pecos River Village Conference Center.
Riverside Country Club
1700 Orchard Lane
Carlsbad, NM 88221
(575) 885-3926
Established in 1947, the 18-hole Riverside Country Club in Carlsbad, NM is a private southwest-style golf course. Riverside is a challenging golf course measuring 6,167 yards from the Championship tees, with a 68.5 USGA rating. Overlooking the Pecos River and the Carlsbad Flume, the course features 3 sets of tees for varying skill levels.
Lessons and tournaments are available throughout the 12-month golfing season!
Sitting Bull Falls
742 Sitting Bull Falls Rd
Carlsbad, NM 88220
The Sitting Bull Falls Recreation Area is a rare gem in the hot desert, this oasis offers cool pools of water and the awesome Sitting Bull Falls. Day-use area only. Pavilions, picnic tables, water, and restrooms provided. Access to many trails can be found from this site.
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